ESN

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have apprehended a suspected commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) alongside an alleged member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) over their alleged involvement in several violent attacks and killings in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday in the Eha-Amufu and Umuhu communities of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area after what security operatives described as months of intelligence monitoring.

Security sources explained that the operation followed extensive surveillance of the suspects’ activities.

According to the sources, “the arrest followed months of sustained intelligence gathering on the activities of the suspects. The arrests came on the heels of a series of violent attacks on police stations and killings between 2024 and 2026.”

Authorities later identified the suspects as Sabastine Odo Odam, who is believed to be a prominent ESN commander, and Ejike Daniel, said to be a member of IPOB.

Security officials said the suspects admitted their roles in a number of attacks on police formations in the area. During those incidents, weapons were reportedly stolen and several security personnel lost their lives.

A source said, “Both men have confessed to being masterminds of a chain of attacks on police stations and carting away weapons, including the killing of 11 labourers in February 2026, two policemen in January 2026, two policemen in December 2025 and another officer in 2024, among others.”

The arrests are seen by security agencies as an important step in addressing the security challenges facing communities in the South-East region.

“The arrests represent a significant success for the DSS in the fight against insecurity in the South-East and the country at large,” the source added.

Residents of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area reportedly welcomed the development. Many said they hope the arrests will help restore calm to communities that have suffered repeated attacks in recent years.

The two suspects are currently being held by the DSS. Security authorities said they will face prosecution once investigations are completed.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under the Joint Task Force South East, operating under Operation UDO KA, have carried out a major ground assault on a known stronghold of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Mother Valley, Nkwere area of Anambra State.

The operation took place on February 26, 2026. The force included personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Troops advanced on foot through difficult terrain for more than three hours. They encountered resistance but succeeded in taking control of the area.

Security sources said the armed group used locally made improvised explosive devices and opened heavy fire in an attempt to stop the advance. Troops pushed through the resistance. One suspected IPOB member was neutralised. Others fled the scene with gunshot wounds.

The operation also led to the recovery of weapons and supplies. Items recovered include two pump-action guns, a locally made firearm, a tear gas launcher, gas cylinders, and other equipment. Troops also destroyed structures identified as part of the group’s main base in the valley. These included power installations such as solar panels and a generator.

In a separate action linked to the operation, security operatives arrested two suspected members of the group. One suspect was reportedly caught while trying to plant an explosive device. The second suspect was accused of monitoring troop movements.

Troops also recovered two vehicles, including a saloon car and a black Toyota Sequoia, from a location described as a parking area used by the group.

The suspects are in custody and are expected to face further investigation. Security forces said clearance operations will continue in the area to prevent any regrouping.

Authorities said the operation reflects ongoing efforts by the military to dismantle armed groups in the South-East. They assured residents of continued security presence and urged law-abiding citizens to remain calm.

By Muhammad Sabiu

In a vicious fire battle along Orlu – Orsu Road on April 25, 2022, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade eliminated two gunmen and apprehended four other members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

This is contained in a Facebook statement signed by Onyema Nwachu (Brigadier General), the Director of Army Public Relations, via the verified handle of the Nigerian Army.

The statement read, “The troops, while on routine patrol, made contact with elements of IPOB/ESN around the general area of Aluminium Company and All Saints Church. On sighting the patrol team, the criminal elements opened fire and launched [a] grenade attack on the troops. The vigilant troops responded with superior firepower neutralizing two of the criminal elements, compelling others to flee in disarray. 

“In a hot pursuit that followed the encounter, troops arrested four of the fleeing gunmen and recovered one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, one Police grenade launcher, two Baofeng communication radios, five mobile phones, one IPOB Beret, two Motorcycles, four SIM cards, five wallets containing different ID cards, afrodisiac [sic], charms and the sum of Sixteen Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Naira only.”

The southeastern part of the country, which houses the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been experiencing the violent activities of the Biafran agitators over the years.

By Muhammad Sabiu